Master's Theses

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

Fall 2023

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

Advisor

Dr. William J. Stark

Abstract

Amphibians remain an important model organism closely associated with environmental conditions and ecological processes. They are considered critical bioindicators of the relative health of ecosystems providing insights into levels of pollution, such as agricultural and industrial runoff, effects of UVB increases, ecosystem service functionality and much more (Rohman et al. 2021). Amphibians are an essential food source to organisms at higher trophic levels and to humans in developing countries (Schleich et al. 1996). Amphibians also provide pest control for agricultural and urban landscapes (Warkentin et al. 2009). Amphibians provide novel medicinal treatments for a wide variety of human ailments and have facilitated our understanding of the processes of human growth and development (Alves et al. 2013). Unfortunately, there are increasing concerns that amphibians may lack adaptability to ongoing global change in temperature, precipitation, and other large-scale anthropogenic modifications to the biosphere (Stuart et al. 2005). Chihuahuan Green Toads, Anaxyrus debilis, are an arid-adapted anuran native to the southwestern USA and a restricted portion of western Kansas. The objective of this research was to monitor small-scale movements, population health, distribution, and habitat preference. This information and subsequent analysis will be provided to the KDWP for future recovery planning of this Kansas Threatened species. Understanding the current population trends of arid-adapted anurans provides better insight of the potential limitations on the distribution of these populations in Kansas.

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Rights

© 2023 Mackenzie G. Reh

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